Be Honest: 6 Questions Every Job Seeker Should Ask Themselves

While so many job seekers have grown accustomed to answering questions sent their way, not too many take the time to send some questions to themselves.

Interviewing yourself can be especially beneficial for the job seeker that is just starting off or has been going at it for a while. Your honest answers can get you back on track and into a job quicker.

Check out the following six questions every job seeker should ask themselves:

Who can I look up to?

It doesn’t matter if you’re a new grad or a seasoned vet, you need a mentor. A mentor is someone who has been or is currently in the place you want to be. They often can offer experience, knowledge, and networking contacts that can be the turning point in your job search.

Finding a mentor isn’t nearly as hard as you might think, thanks to social media. If you can’t find a mentor from your existing network, try typing in a few choice search terms (think: your dream job title) on your favorite social network and find someone somewhere who fits the bill. Kick things off by introducing yourself – keep it short and sweet, a connection can come easily after that.

What do I really want to do?

It seems to me that all too many job seekers are stuck in one industry, but they don’t really know what they want to do. Take a moment to think about what kind of job you actually want and are prepared to handle. There might be a handful of jobs in a particular industry or there might be just one type of role in a handful of industries. The key is to stay focused on your target positions and develop a progressive career path.

What kind of time frame do I want?

​We all operate on different time frames. While some folks may have to maneuver around planning a family, others might want to relocate down the road. Take this time frame into consideration as you look for a job. A sure thing might not end up being the right thing.

Why do I love this industry?

If you already know what you want to do, ask yourself why as well. Why does this career get you up in the morning? Why do you feel fulfilled? If you can pinpoint that, you can determine what other opportunities are out there.

How have I grown in the past year?

While your resume might span 5, 10, or even 20 years back, many employers only care about now. What are you like now? How have you changed now? Emphasize these points and you’ll be able to better market yourself.

Where do I go from here?

While the answer to this question feels obvious, it’s a little more complex than you’d think. Sure, you want a job, but what kind of position is ideal for you? Where do you see yourself after this job? What about after that?

What do you think? What other questions should a job seeker ask themselves? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Tony Morrison is the Vice President of Business Development at Cachinko, a unique professional community where social networking and job opportunities come together. His roles include sales, marketing, and business development. He is passionate about building talent communities and brings this passion to Cachinko where he focuses on helping job seekers to find their ideal job and employers to find, attract, and engage their next rock star candidates. Find him on Twitter and Talent Connection. And, connect with Cachinko on Facebook or Twitter.

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